This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw has turned out to be the biggest surprise flavor combination I’ve tried this year.
A few years ago, my brother Karl texted me that he’d just tasted the best coleslaw of his life. Followed by a request to recreate that recipe and get it to him asap.
When Karl told me there were both corn and jalapeno in the coleslaw he had tried, I agreed that I needed to taste this stat. And I’ll go ahead and tell all of you now that you need to taste this sooner than later.
The spicy jalapeno adds an amazing depth of flavor to the coleslaw and I truly love it.
Yes, the corn is raw in this recipe. You do not need to cook it. If you have never tasted raw sweet corn you are in for a treat.
As much as I wanted to make it immediately, life got in the way. I bought all the ingredients and then they sat in my refrigerator for almost two weeks!
Corn Coleslaw
There’s nothing quite like adding fresh sweet corn to spicy recipes. Elote Dip (Hot Mexican Corn Dip) is a hot appetizer that I will happily eat with a spoon if we don’t happen to have tortilla chips in the house.
This Fire Roasted Tomatillo and Corn Salsa by The View from Great Island is on my list to try soon, along with this Spicy Corn Relish by Saving Room for Dessert.
Corn, Black Bean, and Mango Salsa is delicious on salmon, with chips for dipping, or tossed into a salad.
OH!!! And before I forget, check out this tip for slicing corn off the cob! Just placing your corn cob flat on the cutting board (vs standing it up in a bowl, like I used to do) has been a game-changer.
The whole process goes so much faster and it doesn’t make a mess at all. Plus, there are no extra bowls to clean.
Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw
There are a few different options for this coleslaw recipe. We love it exactly as written below, however, the portions are all adjustable.
Want to make yours a little less spicy? Start with 1 tablespoon of minced jalapeno and add more to taste. Like yours a little sweeter? Try adding an additional tablespoon of sugar.
Want to kick up the heat a bit more? Just add to the jalapeno amounts listed in the recipe. Want it a little less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar.
How To Make Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw
- Combine the cabbage, corn, jalapeno, cilantro, and onions in a large mixing bowl.
- In a smaller bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, mustard, lime juice, celery seeds, and kosher salt.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat. Serve immediately.
How To Store Coleslaw
This coleslaw can be made in advance. However, it will release more liquid the longer it is stored in the refrigerator.
You’ll want to drain off some of the excess liquid prior to tossing again and serving. It will keep nicely in the fridge for a day or two though.
Coleslaw Recipes
Looking for a classic coleslaw recipe? or something a little different? Sweet and Spicy Apple Coleslaw has an unexpected ingredient for the perfect crunch.
Sriracha Coleslaw and this Spicy Cabbage are favorites with my husband and heat-loving oldest son. My younger boys often ask for seconds when we make this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw.
Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 8 cups shredded Napa or green cabbage
- 3 ears fresh corn (about 2 cups worth)
- 1/2 large jalapeno, minced (about 1/4 cups worth)
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped small (about 1/2 cups worth)
- 2 green onions, sliced thin (about 1/4 cups worth)
Dressing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine the cabbage, corn, jalapeno, cilantro, and onions in a large mixing bowl.
- In a smaller bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, mustard, lime juice, celery seeds, and kosher salt.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 4/28/19 – recipe notes and photos updated 7/22/21}
Really good. We put it on fish tacos. Next time I will reduce the sugar and increase the jalapeño + cilantro. I might also increase the green onion… we’ll see 🙂
I’m glad you’re enjoying the coleslaw, Tata.
Yummy! I made a few modifications: added some chopped bell pepper because we had a ton in our garden, and reduced the sugar by half. Also, a trick I learned a few years ago: grate the fresh jalapeño with a microplane and stir it into the dressing. That helps distribute the heat and flavor more evenly. We will make again for sure!
I’m so glad that you like the slaw, Beth!
Do you cook the corn?
I do not cook the corn.
This is so yummy. I am going to try it as a pasta or potato salad. Substitute out cabbage.
I hope you like it that way as well, Nancy!
great recipe thanks …………..smiles
I hope you love the coleslaw, Ken!
This is so good and fresh. We are not fans of cilantro so we replaced it with flat leaf parsley. I used whole grain Dijon because that is what I had available.
I made this while on vacation. It was a huge hit. I will be making this again.
Thank you.
I hope that you had a wonderful vacation.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the coleslaw, Debra!
Really like it. Had it with smothered pork chops first night and second night put it on tacos instead of lettuce.
We used spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon because it was what we had on hand. We also used a regular onion and no cilantro. I would double the jalapeno next time more inline with my preference.
I’m thrilled that you like the slaw, Tami! We often multiply the jalapeno too.
We enjoyed this salad alongside salmon patties. We like spicy so I used a whole jalapeño. I will definitely make this again.
I’m so glad the coleslaw was a hit, Barb. Happy cooking!
I made this for our Memorial day picnic and it was a hit. I’ve already made it a second time ( Thursday) and added some more jalapeno. it’s not too spicy, just a nice little kick of jalapeno and lime. And the corn is the perfect pop!
I’m so glad that you’ve been loving the coleslaw, Wendy! The raw corn does give the dish a nice, refreshing flavor. Enjoy!
I hate coleslaw but this was great! I wasn’t in a position to made the dressing so I bought an avocado lime ranch. Will make again!!
Glad to hear that the coleslaw was a hit, Emilie! I hope you love the recipe even more the next time.
Very tasty! My jalapeño was not very hot so I doubled the amount. I think I will cut the sugar in half next time… that being said, my husband loved this and it pairs well with grilled salmon filets! Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome, Sandy. I’m glad you and your husband loved the coleslaw. Pairing the dish with grilled salmon sounds like an excellent idea. Happy cooking!
Absolutely delicious! It’s a huge hit, even amongst the most noble foodies I know!
I personally have decreased the sugar by 1T and the dijon by 1T, but it’s super good either way. I omit the celery seeds (only bc I just never use them). I’ve tried substituting the mayo for greek yogurt. You can’t. You can sub maybe 1/4 or 1/3 of the mayo with Greek yogurt, but even using half mayo and half yogurt is not nearly as tasty. I’ve also substituted the green onion for chives, and it’s good. Although, personally I like the green onions better. I’ve always used a 14 oz bag of coleslaw and 2c of frozen corn (defrosted), and the ratio is perfect. Just whatever you do, do not leave out the lime and cilantro!
Great tips, Amy! I’m glad the coleslaw has been such a big hit. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
The best coleslaw ever. Bring this to potluck and people don’t even know if there’s jalapeño in it. I love it.
I’m so glad you like it, Dee!
Delicious! I added drained canned Mango & topped pork tacos & BBQ pork sandwiches.
I bet that was tasty!
This was so good! I’ll definitely be making this again.
I’m happy to hear that you’re enjoying it!
Bravo! Made exactly as written. I’ll make this again and again, maybe increase the jalapeno by one half.
I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying the coleslaw!